Water-Based Insect Repellent Composition

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/121,471, filed Mar. 14, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/836,897 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,653,654), filed Jun. 9, 2022, the content of all of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to the field of insect repellent technology.

A variety of insects such as mosquitoes and house flies bite and otherwise annoy humans. Various means have been developed to inhibit this. One approach is to place a volatile insect repellent chemical directly on human skin. In addition to efficacy, a number of factors influence the use of personal insect repellents including safety (whether actual or perceived) and aesthetics such as skin feel and odor.

There are many commercially available mosquito repellents; for example, DEET has been shown in many studies to exhibit good repellency against numerous mosquito species. DEET has been used for decades with very few reports of toxicity; however, the belief that DEET is a health and environmental hazard still exists for some people.

Consumers are increasingly looking to natural solutions for pest control especially in the personal repellent space. These consumers have a profile that leads them to natural products including: (i) they have a chemophobia of synthetic actives like DEET; (ii) they have a positive perception of essential oils as natural and safe; (iii) they are more forgiving of efficacy if a product is deemed “natural”; and (iv) they want to use products on infants and children. As a result, plant-based essential oil insect repellents have been proposed as an alternative to DEET and other synthetic insect repellents.

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 25(b)(2), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may exempt from the requirements of FIFRA any pesticide that is “of a character unnecessary to be subject to [FIFRA].” Pursuant to this authority, the EPA provides lists of pesticides that are exempt from FIFRA regulation. A number of plant-based essential oil repellents are available commercially, in many cases due to their rapid registration process under the U.S. EPA's FIFRA section 25(b).

Many of the ingredients on the FIFRA section 25(b) list are highly volatile essential oils, causing them to provide only short-term repellent duration as they evaporate rapidly, and/or absorb into skin. Increasing the concentration of the essential oil active ingredient can lengthen the duration of repellency; however, many essential oils are irritating to the skin above a certain concentration. Formulators have also dealt with rapid evaporation of essential oils by developing oil-based formulations. Because oils tend to stay on the skin longer than water-based formulations and essential oils are oil soluble, the rationale is that this will help extend repellency duration. However, the consequences of this approach are that, for example, the formula ends up being greasy/oily on the skin and often does not extend duration appreciably. Consequently, the aesthetics (e.g., skin feel, odor, appearance, residual odor, discoloration, etc.) of many plant-based essential oil repellents are poor.

A prevailing issue with many essential oil-based formulations is that they do not repel mosquitoes or only repel them for a short time (i.e., 60 minutes or less). Thus, a problem with essential oil-based repellents is that they may not repel mosquitoes effectively, and/or they may have negative sensory attributes (negative skin feel, negative smell profile). As it stands, the majority of section 25(b) formulations on the market fall into three categories: (1) low duration, negative skin feel; (2) long duration, negative skin feel; and (3) low duration, positive skin feel. Applicant is not aware of any commercially available formulas that have positive skin feel and long duration.

Therefore, there is a need for an insect repellent composition including one or more essential oils wherein the insect repellent composition provides a high level of repellency for an extended period of time while simultaneously exhibiting desirable aesthetics, such as pleasant odor and positive skin feel.

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a composition for repelling insects, with an active component including at least one of: (a) clove oil, geranium oil, and peppermint oil; or (b) clove oil, thyme oil, and citronella oil. The composition also has a fixative and a solubilizer. The peppermint oil may be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a composition for repelling insects, with an active component including: a) at least one essential oil selected from the group consisting of clove oil, geraniol, and lemongrass oil, and b) at least two essential oils selected from the group consisting of peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, and eugenol. The composition also has a fixative and a solubilizer. The peppermint oil may be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the disclosure includes a water-based composition for repelling insects with an active component including at least three essential oils selected from clove oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, geraniol, lemongrass oil, and eugenol. The composition also has a fixative and a solubilizer. The composition further has a carrier. The peppermint oil may be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the disclosure includes a water-based composition for repelling insects with about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of an active component including (a) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of clove oil; (b) from about 0.5 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of geranium oil; and (c) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of peppermint oil. The composition also has from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a fixative and from about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a solubilizer. The composition further has from about 60 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of a carrier, and from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of an emulsifier. The peppermint oil may be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the disclosure includes a water-based composition for repelling insects with an active component consisting essentially of (a) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. % of clove oil; (b) from about 0.5 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of geranium oil; and (c) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10.0 wt. % of peppermint oil. The composition also has a fixative and a solubilizer. The peppermint oil may be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof. Additionally, the composition has a Complete Protection Time (CPT) that is greater than or equal to 2.5 hours.

The term “about,” as used herein, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and manufacturing procedures used for articles of footwear or other articles of manufacture that may include embodiments of the disclosure herein; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients used to make the compositions or mixtures or carry out the methods; and the like. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximately” refer to a range of values ±5% of the numeric value that the term precedes.

In an embodiment composition for repelling insects, the composition includes:

In an embodiment composition for repelling insects, the composition includes:

In embodiment composition for repelling insects, the composition includes:

In another embodiment composition for repelling insects, the composition includes:

In a particular embodiment composition for repelling insects, the composition includes:

wherein all weight percentages are percent by weight of the total composition.

Essential Oils. The water-based insect repellent formulation includes an active component comprising a combination of essential oils as the insect repelling active ingredient. The combination of essential oils may comprise clove oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, geraniol, lemongrass oil, eugenol, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils may comprise at least three of: clove oil, peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, geraniol, lemongrass oil, and eugenol. In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils may comprise at least one of (a) clove oil, geranium oil, and peppermint oil, or at least one of (b) clove oil, thyme oil, and citronella oil.

In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils may comprise a combination of (a) at least one essential oil selected from the group consisting of clove oil, geraniol, and lemongrass oil, and (b) at least two essential oils selected from the group consisting of peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, and eugenol. In some embodiments, the combination of essential oils may comprise a combination of (a) at least one essential oil selected from the group consisting of clove oil, geraniol, and lemongrass oil, and (b) at least two essential oils selected from the group consisting of peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, and eugenol. In some embodiments the combination of essential oils may comprise a combination of at least one essential oil from Group A (i.e. a “first essential oil”) and at least two essential oils from Group B (i.e. “a second essential oil”). As used herein, an essential oil from Group A is an essential oil that is typically used in a repellent at a relatively low concentration (for example, less than about 2 wt %), due to its repellent efficacy, its effect on human health/safety, and/or a combination thereof. Some examples of essential oils from Group A include, but are not limited to, clove oil, geraniol, and lemongrass oil. As used herein, an essential oil from Group B is an essential oil that is typically used in a repellent at a relatively higher concentration (for example, greater than about 2 wt %), due to its repellent efficacy, its effect on human health/safety, and/or a combination thereof. Some examples of essential oils from Group B include, but are not limited to, peppermint oil, geranium oil, thyme oil, citronella oil, and eugenol.

In some non-limiting examples, the combination of essential oils comprises clove oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil. One particularly advantageous combination of essential oils consists essentially of clove oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil. Another advantageous combination of essential oils consists only of clove oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil.

Particular strains of certain essential oils may be especially well-suited for use in certain water-based insect repellent formulations. For the purposes of this disclosure, “peppermint oil” is defined to be the oil of, the oil of, and any combination thereof. For example, in certain formulations, it is particularly advantageous to use thestrain of peppermint oil (i.e.). The oil ofis sometimes commonly referred to as cornmint oil. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory,oil may be particularly advantageous due to the unusually high levels of menthol that it contains. One skilled in the art will appreciate thatoil may be difficult to use in certain liquid formulations, as its menthol levels are so high that when distilled the oil is usually solid. One skilled in the art will also recognize that it may be particularly advantageous to configure any and/or all of the embodiments disclosed herein such that some or all of the peppermint oil in a given embodiment isoil. Additionally, in certain formulations, it may be particularly advantageous to use thestrain of peppermint oil (i.e.). One skilled in the art will appreciate thatoil may be difficult to use in certain liquid formulations, for reasons similar to those discussed above with respect tooil. However, one skilled in the art will also recognize that it may be particularly advantageous to configure any and/or all of the embodiments disclosed herein such that some or all of the peppermint oil in a given embodiment isoil. As another example, in certain formulations, it may be advantageous to use a particular type of clove oil, such as clove bud oil, clove leaf oil, or clove stem oil. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, different types of clove oil may commonly contain different concentrations of eugenol, which may affect the repellency/efficacy of the particular type of clove oil. Typically, clove bud oil has 60-90 wt % eugenol, clove leaf oil has 70-82 wt % eugenol, and clove stem oil has 85-92 wt % eugenol. One skilled in the art will also recognize that it may be particularly advantageous to configure any and/or all of the embodiments disclosed herein such that some or all of the clove oil in a given embodiment is any one of clove oil, such as clove bud oil, clove leaf oil, clove stem oil, or a combination thereof. As still another example, in certain formulations, it may be advantageous to use a particular strain of geranium oil, such as the Egyptian strain of geranium oil or the Bourbon strain of geranium oil. One skilled in the art will also recognize that it may be particularly advantageous to configure any and/or all of the embodiments disclosed herein such that some or all of the geranium oil in a given embodiment is any one of the Egyptian strains of geranium oil, the Bourbon strain of geranium oil, or a combination thereof.

The total amount active component (i.e. the total amount of essential oils in the composition) may be from about 2.0 wt. %, or from about 2.5 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 6 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 8 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, and to about 25 wt. %, or to about 22 wt. %, or to about 20 wt. %, or to about 17 wt. %, or to about 15 wt. %, or to about 14 wt. %, or to about 14 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %. In an embodiment, the total amount active component is present in an amount from about 2.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, wherein all weight percentages are percent by weight of the total composition. In an embodiment, the total amount active component is present in an amount from about 10 wt. % to about 12 wt. % wherein all weight percentages are percent by weight of the total composition. In an embodiment, the total amount active component is present in an amount of about 10 wt. % based on the total weight of the total composition.

More specifically, in some embodiments the active component may comprise a combination of pre-determined amounts of clove oil, peppermint oil, and geranium oil. For example, the active component may comprise a combination of (i) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5.0 wt. % of clove oil, (ii) from about 0.5 wt. % to about 15.0 wt. % of geranium oil, and (iii) from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15.0 wt. % of peppermint oil. Some embodiments may comprise from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.2 wt. %, or from about 0.3 wt. %, or from about 0.4 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. %, and to about 5.0 wt. % of clove oil, or to about 3.0 wt. % of clove oil, or to about 2.0 wt. % of clove oil, or to about 1.0 wt. % of clove oil, or to about 0.5 wt. % of clove oil. Some embodiments may comprise from about 1 wt. % of geranium oil, or from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % of geranium oil, and to about 15 wt. % of geranium oil, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 8 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. %, or to about 6 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. % of geranium oil. Some embodiments may comprise from about 1 wt. % of peppermint oil, or from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 4.5 wt. % of peppermint oil, and to about 15 wt. % of peppermint oil, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 8 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. %, or to about 6 wt. %, or to about 4.5 wt. % of peppermint oil based on the weight of the total composition.

The active component is combined with a fixative. In some embodiments, the fixative may be selected from the group consisting essentially of, or consisting of vanillin, esters of organic acids, fumed silica, alkoxylated alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerin aliphatic acid esters, polyethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. More specifically, the fixative may be vanillin. Alternatively, the fixative may be a combination of vanillin and triethyl citrate. Still further, the fixative may be a combination of vanillin and fumed silica. The fixative may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the fixative may be present in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the fixative may be present in an amount from about 1 wt. %, or from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 6 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, and to about 15 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 8 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

The active component is combined with a solubilizer. In some embodiments, the solubilizer may be selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, ethoxylated C-Calcohol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether, and any combination thereof. More specifically, the solubilizer may be isopropyl alcohol. The solubilizer may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the solubilizer may be present in an amount from about 3 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the solubilizer may be present in an amount from about 1 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, or from about 20 wt. %, or from about 25 wt. %, or from about 30 wt. %, and to about 50 wt. %, or to about 40 wt. %, or to about 30 wt. %, or to about 20 wt. %, or to about 15 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

A water-based formulation of a composition for repelling insects comprises an active component, as described above. In addition to the active component, a water-based formulation further comprises a fixative, a solubilizer, and a carrier. A water-based formulation may also comprise an emulsifier and a co-emulsifier. Some water-based formulations may further comprise a co-fixative, a co-emulsifier, a thickener, a humectant, and/or a film-former, and any combination thereof. Beneficially, combining the active component with an appropriate water-based formulation may significantly increase the duration that the active component remains on the skin of a person (subject), in an amount sufficient to effectively repel insects, as compared to a simple solution primarily containing only the active component and necessary solvent.

Carrier. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise water as a carrier. The carrier may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the carrier may be present in an amount from about 60 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, or from about 60 wt. % to about 80 wt. %, or from about 68 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the carrier may be present in an amount from about 60 wt. %, or from about 65 wt. %, or from about 66 wt. %, or from about 67 wt. %, or from about 68 wt. %, or from about 69 wt. %, or from about 70 wt. %, and to about 80 wt. %, or to about 75 wt. %, or to about 72 wt. %, or to about 70 wt. %, or to about 69 wt. %, or to about 68 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Fixative. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise a fixative. As used herein, a fixative, for example, may be used to amplify the intensity and lasting qualities of the essential oil active ingredients of the formulation. Non-limiting example fixatives include vanillin, esters of organic acids (e.g., triethyl citrate), silica, alkoxylated alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerin aliphatic acid esters, polyethylene glycol, and any combination thereof. One particularly advantageous fixative is vanillin. Another particularly advantageous fixative is a combination of vanillin and triethyl citrate. Another particularly advantageous fixative is a combination of vanillin and silica. The fixative may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the fixative may be present in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the fixative may be present in an amount from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, and to about 15 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Co-Fixative. In some embodiments, the water-based insect repellent formulation may also comprise a co-fixative. As used herein, a co-fixative may be an additional second fixative component, in addition to an initial fixative as described above. A co-fixative may be used for the same or similar purpose as an initial fixative, for example the co-fixative may also be used to amplify the intensity and lasting qualities of the essential oil active ingredients of the formulation. A co-fixative may be present in the same amount or in a different amount than the initial fixative. For example, the co-fixative itself may be present in an amount from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the co-fixative itself may be present in an amount from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, and to about 15 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the total composition. Additionally, the initial fixative and the co-fixative may each be present in an amount such that the total amount of fixative (initial fixative+co-fixative) is from about 1 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the total amount of fixative may be from about 2 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. %, or from about 4 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, and to about 15 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 7 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition. In a particular embodiment, the initial fixative may be present in an amount of about 5 wt. % and the co-fixative may also be present in an amount of about 5 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Solubilizer. The water-based insect repellent formulation may also comprise a solubilizer, for example, for dissolving or dispersing the combination of essential oils of the formulation in water. Non-limiting example solubilizers include C-Calcohols (e.g., isopropyl alcohol), hydrogenated and polyethoxylated oils (e.g., PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil), alkoxylated alcohols (e.g., ethoxylated C-Calcohol), alkylene glycols (e.g., propylene glycol), glycol ethers (e.g., ethylene glycol n-hexyl ether), carbonate esters (e.g. propylene carbonate), and fatty acids (especially short chain fatty acids) such as C-Cshort chain fatty acids including lauric acid and oleic acid, and any combination thereof. One particularly advantageous solubilizer is isopropyl alcohol. The solubilizer may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the solubilizer may be present in an amount from about 3 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 45 wt. %, or from about 3 wt. % to about 20 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the solubilizer may be present in an amount from about 3 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 7 wt. %, or from about 8 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. %, and to about 25 wt. %, or to about 15 wt. %, or to about 13 wt. %, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Emulsifier. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise an emulsifier, for example, for promoting formation of a stable emulsion, particularly of the essential oil active ingredients, in water, thereby increasing the dispersion of the essential oils in the formulation. Non-limiting example emulsifiers may include saponins, glycerin aliphatic acid esters (e.g., polyglyceryl oleate, glyceryl oleate), gum arabic, mustard, lecithin (such as soy or egg lecithin), carrageenan, guar gum, monoglycerides, diglycerides, polysorbates (e.g., sorbitan monooleate), glyceryl ethers, alkyl sulfate anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium dodecyl sulfate), alkyl ether sulfate anionic surfactants (e.g., sodium lauryl ether sulfate), and any combination thereof. In some non-limiting examples, the emulsifier is a saponin. One particularly advantageous emulsifier is at least one of, or a combination of, aand a polyglyceryl oleate. In some non-limiting examples, the emulsifier is a polyglyceryl oleate. For example, in an embodiment, the emulsifier may be a polyglyceryl-10-oleate, a polyglyceryl-6-oleate, a polyglyceryl-3-oleate, or a combination thereof. In a particular embodiment, the emulsifier may include a combination of a polyglyceryl-10-oleate and a polyglyceryl-3-oleate, for example about 0.7 wt % of a polyglyceryl-10-oleate and about 0.3 wt % of a polyglyceryl-3-oleate. In another embodiment, the emulsifier may include a combination of a polyglyceryl-10-oleate and a polyglyceryl-6-oleate, for example about 0.7 wt % of a polyglyceryl-10-oleate and about 0.3 wt % of a polyglyceryl-6-oleate. In another embodiment, the emulsifier may include a combination of a polyglyceryl-3-oleate and a polyglyceryl-6-oleate, for example about 0.7 wt % of a polyglyceryl-3-oleate and about 0.3 wt % of a polyglyceryl-6-oleate. One skilled in the art will also recognize that it may be particularly advantageous to configure any and/or all of the embodiments disclosed herein such that some or all of the emulsifier in a given embodiment is a polyglyceryl oleate, such as any one of a polyglyceryl-10-oleate, a polyglyceryl-6-oleate, a polyglyceryl-3-oleate, or a combination thereof. The emulsifier may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the emulsifier may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 7.5 wt. %, or from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the emulsifier may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.34 wt. %, or from about 0.67 wt. %, or from about 0.75 wt. %, or from about 0.9 wt. %, or from about 1.0 wt. %, and to about 7.5 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. %, or to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2 wt. %, or to about 1.5 wt. %, or to about 1.34 wt. %, or to about 1.25 wt. %, or to about 1.0 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Co-emulsifier. In some embodiments, the water-based insect repellent formulation may also comprise a co-emulsifier. As used herein, a co-emulsifier may be an additional second emulsifier component, in addition to an initial emulsifier as described above. A co-emulsifier may be used for the same or similar purpose as an initial emulsifier, for example, the co-emulsifier may also be used, for example, to promote formation of a stable emulsion, particularly of the essential oil active ingredients, in water, thereby increasing the solubiiity of the essential oils in the formulation. For example, in some non-limiting embodiments, the emulsifier is a combination of, aand a co-emulsifier that is a polyglyceryl oleate. When a co-emulsifier is used, the emulsifier and co-emulsifier may each be present in any suitable amount. Further, the emulsifier and co-emulsifier may be present in same amount as each other or in different amounts. For example, the co-emulsifier may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the co-emulsifier may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.34 wt. %, or from about 0.67 wt. %, or from about 0.75 wt. %, or from about 0.9 wt. %, or from about 1.0 wt. %, and to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2 wt. %, or to about 1.5 wt. %, or to about 1.34 wt. %, or to about 1.25 wt. %, or to about 1.0 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition. Additionally, the emulsifier and the co-emulsifier may be present in any combination such that the total amount of emulsifier component (emulsifier+co-emulsifier) present in the water-based composition is present in any of the above amounts/ranges. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0.67 wt. %. and the co-emulsifier is present in an amount of about 0.34 wt. %. In another advantageous embodiment, the emulsifier and the co-emulsifier are present in ratio from about 1:2 to about 2:1, based on the amounts of the emulsifier and co-emulsifier measured as wt. %. based on the total weight of the composition.

Thickener. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise a thickener in the continuous phase (water), for example, to help thicken the water film to slow down diffusion of the essential oils across the water film. Non-limiting example thickeners include cellulose derivatives (e.g., microcrystalline cellulose), gums (e.g., xanthan gum, cellulose gum,gum, acacia senegal gumsiiique gum,spinose gum, gellan gum), pectin, carrageenan, starch (e.g., corn starch), clays (e.g., bentonite), and any combination thereof. Particularly advantageous thickeners include microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose gum. One especially advantageous thickener is a blend of microcrystalline cellulose and cellulose gum. The thickener may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the thickener may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. % to about 1.5 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the thickener may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.25 wt. %, or from about 0.34 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. %, or from about 0.67 wt. %, or from about 0.75 wt. %, or from about 1.0 wt. %, and to about 5 wt. %, or to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2 wt. %, or to about 1.75 wt. %, or to about 1.67 wt. %, or to about 1.5 wt. %, or to about 1.34 wt. %, or to about 1.25 wt. %, or to about 1.0 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the water-based composition may not comprise any thickener, as described above.

Humectant. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise a humectant, for example, for reducing the loss of moisture in the formulation. Non-limiting example humectants include glycerin, propylene glycol, diglycerin, sodium pryoglutamic acid, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, pentylene glycol, squalene, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol, aloe vera, coconut butter, and any combination thereof. One particularly advantageous humectant is glycerin. The humectant may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the humectant may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, or from about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the humectant may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. %, or from about 1 wt. %, or from about 1.5 wt. %, or from about 1.67 wt. %, or from about 1.75 wt. %, or from about 2.0 wt. %, and to about 5 wt. %, or to about 4 wt. %, or to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2.75 wt. %, or to about 2.67 wt. %, or to about 2.5 wt. %, or to about 2.34 wt. %, or to about 2.25 wt. %, or to about 2.0 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the water-based composition may not comprise any humectant as described above.

Film Former. The water-based insect repellent formulation may comprise a film former, for example, to reduce dermal absorption and provide a degree of waterproofing functionality to the applied formulation. Non-limiting example film formers may include cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxybutyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), acrylamide polymers and copolymers, acrylate polymers and copolymers, waxes (e.g. beeswax, carnauba wax, sunflower wax) alginates, carrageenan, cellulose gum, hydroxypropyl guar, maltodextrin, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polyethylene, polyquaterniums, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, tragacath gum, and any combination thereof. One particularly advantageous film former is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The film former may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the film former may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, or from about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the film former may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. %, or from about 1 wt. %, or from about 1.5 wt. %, or from about 1.67 wt. %, or from about 1.75 wt. %, or from about 2.0 wt. %, and to about 5 wt. %, or to about 4 wt. %, or to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2.75 wt. %, or to about 2.67 wt. %, or to about 2.5 wt. %, or to about 2.34 wt. %, or to about 2.25 wt. %, or to about 2.0 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the water-based composition may not comprise any film former as described above.

Emollient. Certain water-based formulations may comprise an emollient, for example, for retaining essential oils on the skin longer. Choosing emollients that have low dermal penetration can assist in retaining essential oils on the skin longer compared to formulations not containing the emollient. An emollient may help to maintain the integrity of the hydrolipids of the skin. Non-limiting example emollients include alkanes and mixtures thereof (e.g., mineral oil, paraffin oil), fatty acids (e.g., lauric acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid), fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol), esters (e.g., benzoic acid esters of C-Calcohols), siiicones (e.g., dimethyl polysiloxane), ethers (e.g., polyoxypropylene butyl ethers and polyoxypropylene cetyl ethers), isopropyl myristate, coconut oil, grape seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, shea butter, and any combination thereof. In some non-limiting examples, the emollient is mineral oil. In some embodiments, the emollient is a combination of mineral oil and lauric acid. One particularly advantageous emollient that is especially well-suited for use in water-based formulations is isopropyl myristate.

The emollient may be present in any suitable amount. For example, the emollient may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 25 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. % to about 15 wt. %, based on the weight of the total composition. Further, the emollient may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. %, or from about 0.5 wt. %, or from about 1.0 wt. %, or from about 1.5 wt. %, or from about 2 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. %, or from about 9 wt. %, and to about 25 wt. %, or to about 15 wt. %, or to about 12 wt. %, or to about 11 wt. %, or to about 10 wt. %, or to about 9 wt. %., or to about 8 wt. %, or to about 5 wt. %, or to about 3 wt. %, or to about 2 wt. % based on the weight of the total composition.

Encapsulant. Encapsulation of synthetic and natural actives have been shown to reduce evaporation, reduce dermal absorption, enhance skin feel, and extend duration. The water-based insect repellent formulation and/or the oil-based insect repellent formulation may comprise an encapsulation material for reducing evaporation, and/or reducing dermal absorption, and/or enhancing skin feel, and/or extending duration of the essential oils in the formulation. Specifically, encapsulation materials can extend the duration of the certain active ingredients (i.e. certain essential oils) by controlling/slowing the release of the essential oil from within the encapsulant, limiting the amount of the essential oil that is available for activity and/or evaporation at any one time. Suitable encapsulation materials for use in the formulation are selected from polymers; capsules, microcapsules and nanocapsules; synthetic polymers and biomaterials including proteins, gums, and carbohydrates; liposomes, absorbents; cyclic oligosaccharides, and any combination thereof. Example advantageous encapsulation materials are cyclic oligosaccharides having a cyclic structure comprising six or more saccharide units. It is common in the art to abbreviate six, seven and eight membered cyclic oligosaccharides to α, β and γ respectively. Particularly advantageous encapsulation materials are α-cyclodextrins or β-cyclodextrins, preferably β-cyclodextrins. The levels of cyclic oligosaccharides used in the formulation will be dependent on the components of the formulation and their levels, for example the combination of essential oils, present in the formulation. The encapsulation material may be present in any suitable amount. In some embodiments, the water-based composition may not comprise any encapsulation material.

Water-based Insect Repellent Formulations. Water-based insect repellent formulations of the present disclosure may comprise:

In an embodiment, the water-based composition may include (i) active component, (ii) fixative, (iii) solubilizer, (iv) carrier, and (v) emulsifier, each of which may be present in any amount suitable, and more specifically may be present in any of the amounts discussed for each component above.

In one advantageous embodiment, a water-based composition may comprise:

In a particular version of the above advantageous embodiment, the active component may consist essentially of:

In another advantageous embodiment, the water-based insect repellent formulations of the present disclosure comprise:

In an embodiment, the water-based composition may include (i) active component, (ii) fixative, (iii) solubilizer, (iv) carrier, (v) emulsifier, (vi) humectant, and (vii) film former, each of which may be present in any amount suitable, and more specifically may be present in any of the amounts discussed for each component above.

In one advantageous embodiment, a water-based composition may comprise:

In a particular version of the above advantageous embodiment, the active component may consist essentially of: